Do not ignore chronic fatigue and what are its causes?

Do not ignore chronic fatigue and what are its causes?

For many years, chronic fatigue syndrome was ignored as a psychological complaint, but, according to what was published by the British “Daily Mail” citing the journal Nature Communications, new research has confirmed that the disease - also called myalgic encephalomyelitis, which is referred to for short... With ME, real.

Matching idea and ability

Scientists have discovered, for the first time, key differences in the brains and immune systems of chronic fatigue syndrome patients. The results suggest that the fatigue resulting from this controversial and potentially debilitating condition is due solely to a “mismatch” between what the patient’s brain believes it can achieve and what its body can actually achieve.

Experiences over 5 years

Experts hope that the discovery of scientists at the US National Institutes of Health will lead to the development of treatments for the currently incurable condition.

Dozens of scientists conducted multiple experiments over five years on 17 patients, and compared their results with 21 healthy people matched by age, gender, and body mass index (BMI).

The study involved MRI scans of people who were asked to perform repeated tests as they held a device to measure how their brains responded to fatigue.

Temporal junction and spinal fluid

Chronic fatigue syndrome patients showed less activity in the temporoparietal junction, part of the brain's switch for exerting effort.

As such, experts believe that disturbance in this area is the reason behind severe fatigue. The scientists also compared spinal fluid samples between the two groups of patients and again found key differences.

immune system

Comparing immune systems revealed that ME/CFS patients had lower levels of memory B cells, part of the immune system designed to remember foreign substances, such as bacteria or viruses, to ensure the body has long-term protection and is not at risk of repeatedly getting sick every time it encounters them. the person

Physiological focal point

“We believe that immune activation affects the brain in different ways, causing biochemical changes and effects such as motor, autonomic, and cardiorespiratory dysfunction,” said Dr. Avindra Nath, a neuroimmunology expert at the US National Institutes of Health and the study’s lead researcher.

Fellow researcher Dr. Brian Wallett added: “We may have identified a physiological focal point for fatigue in this group of people,” explaining that “rather than physical exhaustion or lack of motivation, fatigue may arise from a mismatch between what a person believes they are capable of achieving and what their bodies are performing.” “

Research is much needed

The study's findings give hope that new treatments for the syndrome can be found, and experts have hailed the study as important and much-needed comprehensive research into this still poorly understood condition.

Dr. Karl Morten, a researcher in chronic fatigue syndrome from the University of Oxford, said that the findings raise more questions that need to be investigated, adding that “it appears that the brain is driving the patient’s response, which raises the big question: why?” "Is there still something going on that we're not aware of yet?"

Promising results however

Other scientists have warned that the data, while promising, are “unable to shed light on the causes.” Dr. Catherine Seaton, a research scientist at the Quadram Biosciences Institute, said the new study represents a welcome shift in research into the syndrome. Chronic fatigue, but “historically, studies investigating the pathology of ME/CFS have often focused on single aspects of the disease.”

Viral or bacterial infection

All of the CFS patients who participated in the study developed CFS after a viral or bacterial infection, either of which is only a theoretical trigger for the syndrome. Other problems include problems with the immune system, a hormonal imbalance, or a genetic risk factor.

Automatic recovery

Within four years of the end of the study, four patients had spontaneously recovered. No reasons for this were discussed, or if these patients returned any specific results in the study.

The most common symptoms

Symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome vary from patient to patient and over time. The most common symptoms include severe physical and mental fatigue that does not go away with rest, as well as problems with sleep, thinking, memory, and concentration.

Other symptoms include muscle or joint pain, sore throat, headache, flu-like symptoms, dizziness and nausea, as well as a fast or irregular heartbeat.

Moderate and severe cases

In mild cases, people with chronic fatigue syndrome can perform daily activities with difficulty, but may have to give up hobbies and social activities in order to rest.

More severe CFS patients are essentially bedridden and may receive full-time care, unable to feed themselves or even go to the toilet without assistance.

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